Read on to learn from one of our Y13s about a visit from the acclaimed theatre director, Carrie Cracknell, in conversation with Channing alumna, Hannah Schlenker, who were talking about their careers in the theatre.

This term we had another wonderful ‘in conversation’ event in the Arundel Centre. Ms Hill, our Director of Drama, facilitated a discussion between Carrie Cracknell, a renowned theatre director, and Hannah Shlenker, a Channing alumna and early career set designer. The topics ranged from the influence of AI in the creative fields, through what a working day would look like and even touched on what they had learnt from both successful and less successful creative projects. Listen here to the podcast of the event.

We were also treated to a talk from our very own Ms Ward, who spoke to a group of staff and students about Lavinia Fontana whose work in the field of allegorical painting made her a female trailblazer who was able to earn a living in a discipline that was reserved for men.

On Friday, staff and sixth formers dressed up as their favourite female characters from books. The photograph taken outside the Arundel Centre shows the creativity that went into the making of the costumes. We also had an assembly which explored the work of a range of women throughout time who have used the arts to disrupt the status quo and reflected on the importance of using our creativity to make our voices heard. During lunchtime, pupils wrote postcards for our charity, Women for Women.

A huge thank you to all of the staff and students who took part in the week and made it so enjoyable, educational and inspirational.

‘It was amazing to see such a wide variety of inspirational female character costumes, showing how impactful and important literature is for young women. I loved seeing the breadth of female creativity in the assembly, showing how instrumental the arts are in creating change.’

Evie M, Year 13